This weekend I went to a flea market with a thousand other people. I was hoping to find some neat souvenirs but there were so many people that sometimes I couldn't even see what was for sale. I did find some postcards that have "Ingrish" on them. "Ingrish" is Japanese English. They say "e" like "i" and "l" like "r". I also went grocery shopping and was able to find what I need to make spaghetti with pancetta. Grocery shopping is always an experience! It takes about 3 times as long to shop and I still wasn't able to find mustard or mayo even though I know they have it. Other people in our group bought it for sandwiches so they showed me the packaging. Mayo comes in a bag. I'd have to say that's why I wasn't able to find it. There's a plastic container in the bag but I definitely wasn't looking for a bag. Some people were very surprised that I was able to make normal spaghetti. I eat Kellogs cornflakes for breakfast every morning and I snack on Ritz and Oreos.
A couple of you have asked about Tokyo and I'm actually in Kyoto. I won't be going to Tokyo. I've heard it's hard to get around and even more expensive than here. I don't know if there are a lot of American's here or if they are European. I definitely see Americans but I've learned not to assume the Caucasion people are Americans. You can usually tell though by how they are dressed. Europeans dress much nicer, but possibly less sensibly.
Surprisingly we hardly ate any rice in China and we don't eat a ton here. In both places it's a lot stickier than the rice I'm used to. The flavor is pretty much the same but it's hard to tell for sure because usually there's something on it. I eat a lot of curry and rice here.
The weather here has been very spring-like. It can get pretty chilly at night but thanks to China I have a warm winter coat. It's supposed to be in the low 60's later this week and I'm really looking forward to it. I usually wear a fleece pullover and a down vest in the morning and the vest comes off by afternoon as long as we're in the sun. It's been raining on and off which makes photography hard.
I'm finally starting to get ready to come home. When I don't get a good nights sleep I want to go home more. There's 4 of us in a tiny room and two of the girls snore. I barely slept last night so today is going to be a long day!
3 comments:
Good morning Sara!
the sap is beginning to run. Gary put out taps yesterday, the annual St Urho parade was on Saturday and we ate walleye for dinner last night. I guess that means that spring is finally on its way here.
I imagine the climate in Japan to be pretty mild. Is that right? I know the cities are big and busy, is there much green space? So many people so little room. I think I might get a little claustrophobic.
I keep meaning to ask you if you are planning to bring your bike home with you.
You are really breaking my rule about not eating anything you can't identify on this trip!
Love nancy
Hi Sara,
The weather there almost sounds like the recent weather here. Without all the snow of course. I just heard MPR say the northland could reach 60 today! I'm not holding my breath though.
I would much rather grocery shop in Japan than at Zups. Today I'm going to Super One just for a few good deals.
You'll be home in two weeks. I hope then you'll be able to post more of your photos. I can't wait to see them.
You're going to re-sell your bike right? Was it worth the $40 to have it while there?
Are you staying in Kyoto for the duration of your time in Japan?
Love,
Mom
Morning Sara, Yes, your trip is coming to a close. What a trip it has been! I'm sure James and Izzy will be so happy to have you back. Soon you'll be thinking about what to plant in the garden. We finally had a weekend of wonderful weather and I was inspired to start a few seeds. If I am really ambitious I just might wash windows today. It's supposed to be up near 50. We still have lots of snow to melt.
Have you tried earplugs to block-out the snoring? I use them on occasion and they really do help. There's nothing good about a poor night's sleep.
I can't say I am sorry to hear that you are ready to come home. I am amazed at what you have done.
If for some reason you were never able to travel again, you would still have done more than most people will do in their lifetimes. Bravo!!
Thanks for the update! Love, EEn
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